Scientists at a biotech company in Dallas called Colossal Biosciences say they’ve brought back a species of wolf that went extinct 12,500 years ago. This is being called the first successful de-extinction of an animal.
Dire Wolves Recreated from Gray Wolves
Using DNA from ancient fossils, researchers edited the genes of modern gray wolves. They created three wolf pups with traits of the extinct dire wolf, making a new kind of hybrid animal that looks a lot like its prehistoric ancestor.
What Were Dire Wolves?
Dire wolves, known by the scientific name Aenocyon dirus, were powerful predators in North America. They were larger than gray wolves and had wider heads, thicker fur, and stronger jaws. They also inspired the wolves in the “Game of Thrones” TV series.
Secret Project Revealed
Colossal had been working on bringing back animals like the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger since 2021. But their work on dire wolves was kept secret until now. The company says this is a big step forward in proving their de-extinction technology works.
Ancient DNA From Teeth and Skulls
To create the dire wolves, scientists used DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. They successfully grew embryos using gene-editing and cloning techniques, and then implanted them into surrogate animals.
Where the Wolves Live Now
The three wolf pups live at a secret 2,000-acre site surrounded by tall fences and monitored by drones, cameras, and guards. The location meets standards set by the American Humane Society and is registered with the US Department of Agriculture.
Building the Dire Wolf Genome
Scientists used ancient DNA to build two complete dire wolf genomes. They compared this with modern wolves, jackals, and foxes to find the key traits like white fur and thick coats, then made gene edits in 14 genes to bring those traits back.
Surrogate Mothers Helped Give Birth
Using the edited genes, scientists cloned the best cells and transferred them into donor eggs. These eggs were implanted in large domestic dogs. Two male pups were born on October 1, 2024, and a female pup on January 30, 2025.
How CRISPR Helped Edit the DNA
To make this possible, Colossal used CRISPR gene-editing to remove certain gray wolf traits and replace them with dire wolf characteristics. While the result is still mostly gray wolf (about 99.9%), it strongly resembles the extinct dire wolf in appearance.
Is It Really a Dire Wolf?
Some scientists say this new creature is close enough to call it a dire wolf. Others argue that not enough of the original DNA is used to truly classify it that way. Still, the visible traits and ancient genes give it the look and feel of a real dire wolf.
A Huge Step Forward in Science
Professor Love Dalén, an expert in evolutionary genomics, called the project a major leap in scientific research. He said it’s like bringing back the physical traits of dire wolves based on what the genome tells us they looked like.
Future Plans: Mammoths and More
Colossal has raised over $435 million since 2021 and plans to bring back the woolly mammoth by 2028. While that project is taking longer than expected, this success with the dire wolf shows they are making real progress.
Helping Endangered Wolves Too
The same cloning method used for dire wolves has also helped create two litters of cloned red wolves, a critically endangered species. The process used was less invasive and could support other endangered animals in the future.
Ethical Questions Around De-Extinction
Some people argue that the money used for de-extinction could be better spent on saving animals that are alive today. Others worry about using living animals as surrogates. However, experts say Colossal is taking animal welfare seriously with large living spaces and careful screening.
Will These Wolves Be Released Into the Wild?
While Colossal hopes to reintroduce these animals into the wild, some scientists question if that’s realistic. Right now, even modern wolves face political challenges in places like Montana, making it difficult to imagine a role for dire wolves in today’s ecosystems.